NATO Secretary General welcomes President of Armenia at NATO Headquarters and discusses preparations for Chicago Summit

The NATO Secretary General Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed the President of Armenia Mr. Serzh Sargsyan on 6 March 2012 at the NATO Headquarters and discussed with him issues related to Armenia’s partnership with the Alliance. The Secretary General also thanked President Sargsyan for Armenia’s contribution to the Alliance’s ISAF operation in Afghanistan.

“NATO and Armenia share many political priorities and security interests”, the Secretary General said. ”And we have built up our cooperation and dialogue over many years. Our relationship contributes to regional security and Euro-Atlantic security. And we want to take it forward in that way”.

During the visit to NATO Headquarters President Sargsyan also addressed the North Atlantic Council and discussed with Allies preparations for the Chicago Summit.

“Let me stress that the South Caucasus region is important for our Alliance, and Armenia is an important partner for NATO”, the Secretary General said. “At Chicago, we will review the progress of transition in Afghanistan and take decisions on our commitment beyond 2014, once the Afghan forces have full security responsibility throughout the country. As an ISAF contributor, Armenia will participate closely in the decision-shaping process.”